Former President Donald Trump strategically distanced himself this week from Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, amid ongoing controversy involving the politician.

Trump embarked on a visit to three North Carolina cities to advocate for early voting, and though he previously endorsed Robinson, he opted not to show public support for his campaign during this trip, as the Washington Examiner reports.

During his visit, Trump was questioned regarding his stance on supporting Robinson's gubernatorial run.

He responded by stating he was "not familiar with the state of the race right now," showing hesitation to align himself with the lieutenant governor amid the unrest over his allegedly inappropriate past comments in online forums.

Controversy Surrounding Mark Robinson's Past Remarks

The controversy surrounding Robinson stems from a recent report by CNN that highlighted his past controversial statements on a pornography website.

These remarks included references to himself using inflammatory language and disparaging civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Following CNN's report, Robinson filed a substantial $50 million defamation lawsuit against the media outlet. Despite his previous endorsement during Robinson's primary campaign, Trump now remains silent regarding the current situation.

Before the CNN expose, Trump had offered Robinson strong words of support. However, recent allegations have prompted reevaluation of this stance by the former president.

Trump's Campaign Efforts Focus Elsewhere

While Robinson has been embroiled in controversy, Trump continued his campaign activities with a packed schedule in North Carolina. This included promoting early voting and leading rallies, such as the one in Greenville in which Sen. Ted Budd introduced him to the stage.

Trying to leverage the political climate, Democrats are attempting to connect Trump with Robinson to capitalize on the situation and convince North Carolina to turn blue. Despite these efforts, polls indicate that Trump maintains a lead over Kamala Harris in the state.

Amid this heated political backdrop, Trump traversed parts of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. He witnessed the devastation firsthand in Asheville and later met with local faith leaders in Concord.

Record Early Voting Amid Natural Disaster

Trump lauded North Carolina voters for their remarkable early voting turnout, even amidst the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. He highlighted the perseverance of these voters, noting that they broke records for early voting participation despite experiencing significant personal losses, including homes and lives.

“The dedication of early voters in such difficult times is inspiring,” Trump said. He underscored the state's resilience and commitment to the democratic process as a noteworthy achievement during a challenging period.

Despite these uplifting efforts, Robinson did not appear alongside Trump or his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, throughout the visit. The lieutenant governor has maintained a distance from key figures in Trump's campaign.

Conclusion: Balancing Strategy and Support

Former President Donald Trump's recent activities in North Carolina showcased a careful navigation of political alliances and campaign objectives.

By stepping back from publicly showing support for Mark Robinson in light of the latter's controversial past comments, Trump seeks to maintain his political influence without becoming enmeshed in potentially damaging affiliations.

The focus on early voting and responding to natural disasters presents a strategic pivot, whilst enabling Democrats to attempt exploiting GOP tensions to their advantage.

Nonetheless, Trump continues to hold a lead over his Democratic counterpart in polls, reflecting a complex electoral landscape in North Carolina.